Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, 09-07-2014
Chikkarangappa off to a flying start with a seven-under-65
Prabagaran in second place
Bangalore’s Chikkarangappa shot a blistering seven-under-65 at the Royal Springs Golf Course to take the round one lead at the PGTI Kashmir Masters presented by KEO. Sri Lankan K Prabagaran was a shot behind the leader in second place.
Chikkarangappa dropped a bogey early on the 11th but landed it close for birdies on the 14th and 17th to make the turn at one-under. The two-time winner on the PGTI then had a golden run of consecutive birdies from the first to the fifth followed by another birdie on the seventh. Chikka, who was reading the greens to perfection, chipped-in on the second and made 12 to 15 feet putts on the fourth, fifth and seventh.
Chikka, currently placed seventh on the Rolex Rankings, said, “The practice round yesterday really helped me get it right on the greens which have more slopes than the ones at Pahalgam last week. The rough is up so there’s a premium on hitting fairways. I scored well since I missed only one out of 14 fairways today. I also made 16 greens in regulation which is a personal best.
“My confidence grew after the birdie on the 17th where I sank a crucial putt. From then on there was no looking back and I just played excellent golf from tee to green,” added Chikka, who finished in the top-10 at Pahalgam last week.
K Prabagaran, who also had a good outing in Pahalgam, began with an impressive bogey-free 66 on Wednesday at the Royal Springs Golf Course. Prabagaran, a winner on the PGTI in 2014, drained a couple of long putts and landed it within six feet on three occasions, courtesy some outstanding wedge shots.
“I’m playing here for the first time, so it’s a great start for me since I didn’t drop a single shot. I hit some good drives that set me up well for the approach shots from 60 to 70 yards. I’ve drawn confidence from last week’s performance when I shot scores of seven-under and six-under,” said Prabagaran.
Noida’s Amardip Sinh Malik, Bangalore’s Khalin Joshi and Vinod Kumar of Delhi are in tied third at five-under-67. Delhi golfer Rashid Khan and Greater Noida’s Mandeo Singh Pathania are a further shot behind in tied sixth position.
Jyoti Randhawa occupies joint eighth place at three-under-69 along with Chandigarh golfers Harmeet Kahlon and Ajeetesh Sandhu, the Delhi duo of Karan Vasudeva and Gulfam, Noida’s Gaurav Pratap Singh and Gurgaon-based Arshdeep Tiwana.
The Kolkata duo of SSP Chowrasia (71) and Rahil Gangjee (72) are placed tied 22nd and tied 29th respectively.
Raghav Wahi of Jammu shot two-over-74 to be tied 56th. He was the highest-placed golfer from the host state at the end of round one.
PGTI events big boost for the sport in J&K
Mr. Ghalib Shah, MD, J&K Golf Development & Management Authority, welcomed the return of men’s professional golf to Jammu & Kashmir after 10 years. He was of the view that PGTI’s events at Pahalgam and Srinagar will give a big boost to the sport of golf and tourism in the state which will in turn benefit the state’s economy.
Mr. Shah said, “The PGTI events at Pahalgam and Srinagar will once again help J&K emerge as one of the top destinations for professional tournaments. Our local professionals will also be encouraged seeing the country’s leading golfers in action and the sport will gain more popularity in the state.
“With three world class golf courses at Srinagar, Pahalgam and Gulmarg, already existing in J&K, we are looking at building a strong golfing circuit for tourists in the state. Golf enthusiasts from all over the world can come to J&K and play at these three golf courses which are within a distance of just two hours from each other.
“In addition to Srinagar, Pahalgam and Gulmarg, two more international standard golf courses are coming up in the state at Leh and Jammu. These two new venues will add to the golfing opportunities in J&K. The course at Leh will be the highest green golf course in the world once it is ready,” added Mr. Shah.
About PGTI:
Formed in 2006, Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is the recognised official body of professional golf in India. PGTI's objective is to promote professional golf in the country, as well as to give players an opportunity to be involved in the decision making on all aspects of the game. Headed by Mr. Srinivasan H R (President), PGTI's governing body comprises leading Indian golf professionals. PGTI currently has over 300 members.
For information on PGTI, please contact:
Nikhil Kalaan
Media Manager - PGTI
Mobile: 9910974846
Email: media@pgtofindia.com
